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Herbert Flatt

Herb was born the son of Joseph and Martha (Woitzel) Flatt on Jan. 25, 1919 in Grandin, N.D., where he was raised and educated. As a young adult, he served in the United States Army from 1942-45. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor and Saipan.

Herb married Stella Paasch on June 2, 1946 in Fargo. They made their home in rural Grandin, where they farmed until 1955. They then moved to Detroit Lakes, where Herb farmed and worked in construction. He also helped with the ice harvest, and drove the last team of horses used during the harvest. In 1959 he started working at the Erie 34 Supper Club as a custodian, where he continued until 1964, when he became head custodian at the Becker County Court House. During this time he also drove school bus for Schultz Bus Service and continued farming.

During his time at the courthouse, Herb mentored many adult and youth workers seeking employment. He retired in 1984.

Herb was known for his sense of humor, and was a great storyteller. He was active in the Detroit Lakes community as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at Mahube. He received the Becker County Outstanding Senior Citizen award in 1995.

Herb was also known for his ability in the garden, and won several beautification awards for his yard and the Courthouse Park. He was a member of the VFW, the American Legion and was a past commander. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church and held many offices in the church throughout the years.

Herb enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing to polka music and most of all, he loved the time spent with his grandchildren.

Surviving Herb are his son, John (Cheryl) Flatt of Detroit Lakes; daughter, Renee Darnell of Apache Junction, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren; one great granddaughter; four sisters-in-law, Elsie Amundsen of Abercrombie, N.D., Velma Sauvageau of Horace, N.D., Marge Paasch of Moorhead and Alice Paasch of Fargo; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Herb in death were his parents; wife, Stella (2007); three sons, Douglas, Joel and James; one daughter, Linda Wehmhoefer; four half brothers, Gordon, Vernon, Floyd and Marvin; and his sister and brother-in-law, Violet and Merlin Grage.

Visitation is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 24 at West-Kjos Funeral Home, Detroit Lakes, with a prayer service at 8 p.m.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, July 25 at Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes.

Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Detroit Lakes. West-Kjos Funeral Home (www.westkjos.com) is handling arrangements.